That fateful day....

Three years ago today, we watched in horror as the drama that was the tsunami unfolded before us in places some of us have never heard of, Meulaboh for instance. That was the day where many of us first read or heard the word tsunami.

As the events around the region and across the Indian Ocean took place, we affixed ourselves to our lovely TV sets, in our cosy sofas, sipping cold drinks with awe in our eyes watching the destruction wrought on those faraway lands which many have come to know as paradise on earth. Pristine locales such as Phuket and Maldives springs to mind when we think of sandy, sun drenched beaches.

Soon, the world sprang into action like never before, amazed by the destruction and overcome with grief for those who perished, yet filled with compassion for those left alive and counting the toll of destruction. There was no need to call for a donation drive. People from all walks of life put aside their busy schedules and came to the fore to give what they can and to help where they were needed. It's amazing how the human spirit shines through in the face of such adversity. Governments and MNCs doled out billions of dollars worth of emergency supplies, donations and funds to rebuild these devastated lands.

The outpouring of grief for those lost, the lasting images of the waves striking the shores, and the footage of the little child playing on the sands as the wave swept through will forever be etched in the memories of those old enough to remember and realise the gravity of the event. Truth be told, it was a "Kennedy" moment for many of us - we seem to remember exactly where we were, what we were doing when the news broke through.

Now 3 years on, we have been informed through the media that the reconstruction projects which have been taken on are truly well underway and near completion. For us Singaporeans, the bonds which some of us have forged with the Acehnese when we helped them through their testing times, will forever be remembered with gratitude by them, no doubt. Personally, I am glad that we have been able to do some good in our lives, no matter how insignificant our contributions may have been.

To see the news footage these past few days, really does warm my heart. Knowing that our contributions were put to great use and great effect for those affected, does rid me of those sceptical questions swirling in my mind. It gives me great solace reading about how our contributions have helped in rebuilding that little town of Meulaboh, which I wouldn't have known of had it not been for the tsunami.